Lumbar osteosarcoma in a chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger)

An 11-year-old male chinchilla was presented for investigation of progressive weight loss, apathy, anorexia, changes in faecal quality and alopecia on the tip of the tail. On clinical examination, a stiffness of the back legs was noted. Abdominal palpation revealed a hard immobile, irregular structure in the region of the last lumbar vertebrae. Subsequent radiography and ultrasonography suggested the presence of neoplasia. The following day the chinchilla was showing hindlimb paralysis, and there was severe self-trauma to the distal 5 cm of the tail. In view of the rapid clinical deterioration, the chinchilla was euthanased with the owner's consent. Macroscopic examination supported the clinical suspicion of neoplasia. Histopathological examination revealed a reactive osteoblastic osteosarcoma. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of osteosarcoma in chinchillas.     

Studies of the gait of Friesian heifer cattle

Records were obtained of the vertical ground reaction forces on the hooves of Friesian maiden heifers during locomotion. Pedobarograms of the hoof pressures at the time of maximum force were also collected. The force-time curves for the forefeet possessed a single peak, with a maximum about half way through the step, while for the hindfeet the curves were generally bimodal with the first peak occurring about one quarter of the way through the step and the second (slightly smaller) peak occurring about three quarters of the way through the step. The forefeet carried maximum loads equivalent to about 60 per cent of bodyweight, while the hind legs carried loads equivalent to 50 per cent. There were generally no significant differences between the contact areas and pressures applied by the front and back feet. However, the contact area increased more quickly than might be expected according to scale, although hoof pressure appeared to be almost independent of bodyweight. The contact area may be changed if the heel of the hoof is compressible under load or if the usually non-supportive sole of the hoof is involved in ground contact.     

FC-23 Feline plasma cell pododermatitis: a retrospective study of 26 cases

The objective of this open pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical tacrolimus ointment for treatment of plantar fistulae in German shepherd dogs. Seven dogs (four males, three females) were included. All subjects had a 6-month to 2-year history of plantar fistulae involving the plantar aspect of two to four metatarsi/metacarpi. No other skin lesions were present and the dogs appeared otherwise healthy. Before treatment with tacrolimus, all dogs received antibiotics for 4–8 weeks. Hair was clipped to visualise the lesions. The presence of erythematous papules, oedema and fistulae was recorded for each foot. All dogs served as their own controls. Dogs with four legs involved had one front and one hind leg treated. Dogs with two to three feet affected had only one foot treated. Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment (Protopic^®) was applied twice daily onto the site of lesions. Partial improvement of treated lesions was seen in all cases within 3 weeks. After 6 weeks, treated lesions were in complete remission in four dogs, while the other three subjects had palpable but invisible lesions. Signs had not improved on the untreated legs. Follow-up varied between 4 months and 2 years. Lesion remission persisted in six dogs with the intermittent application of tacrolimus. Adverse effects of treatment were not seen. In conclusion, the application of topical tacrolimus seems to provide a safe and effective treatment option for plantar fistulae in German shepherd dogs.
Funding: Self-funded.     

An ethogram of post-anesthetic recovery behaviors in horses: comparison of pre- and post-anesthetic behaviors

Pain management is an important post-operative concern. Pain scales may rely on the observer's subjective assessment of the level of discomfort and may not correlate with physiologic or pharmacologic measures of pain. The purpose of this study was to develop an objective measure of behavior in healthy pain-free horses recovering from anesthesia that could be used for comparison with the behavior of horses recovering from a surgical procedure.
Focal sampling with videotape and observation was done on five healthy horses before anesthesia to establish baselines. Behavioral measures included head turns, tail swishes, eyelid aperture/size, ear position, angle of neck, weight shifts, and ambulation. Physiologic measures included heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. The horses were anesthetized for 2 hours with isoflurane, and in the recovery stall, data were collected continuously on videotape from the time of extubation to standing. Focal sampling of 15 minutes was repeated at 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours after the horses returned to their stalls. Video data were analyzed using the Noldus Observer Video Analysis System.
A wide variation in behavior was observed between horses in the recovery stall. Observations at 1, 2, and 4 hours revealed change from the up/forward ear position to the down ear position, and a decrease in weight bearing of the hind limb from a baseline of 11–12 minutes out of 15 minutes to 7–9 minutes with an increase in toe pointing. Time spent standing was similar to baseline of 93.8%, and the neck angle was not changed from baseline of 173.5°. Values had returned to baseline at 24 hours.
Changes in behavior were induced by anesthesia alone and must be taken into consideration when evaluating analgesic treatments.     

Ultrasonographic Features of the Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) Kidney

Nine healthy chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) were used to characterize the ultrasonographic size and anatomical structure of the kidneys. Sonographic evaluations were performed with the aid of a 12-MHz linear probe. Kidney measurements included total width and length, total organ area, cortex and medullary thickness, and width and length of the renal pelvis. Based on the results of this study, normal chinchilla kidneys are located retroperitoneally, with the right kidney in a more cranial location than the left. Statistical analysis showed that measurements were similar between contralateral kidneys and between sexes. Chinchilla kidneys have a single papilla and a wider renal pelvis compared with the renal pelvis of dogs and cats. Moreover, chinchilla kidneys have a longer medullary area. The data herein may aid diagnosis of renal disease in chinchillas, avoiding misinterpretations of ultrasonic findings involving the kidneys of this species.     

Semen-Matrix Calculi in a Juvenile Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)

A 10-month-old, intact male chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) was diagnosed with urolithiasis, unilateral hydroureter, and hydronephrosis secondary to ureteral obstruction confirmed by radiography and ultrasonography. Nephrectomy and cystotomy were performed, and the urolith was suspected to be a semen-matrix calculus (mineralized copulatory plug) based on the discovery of sperm within the renal pelvis of the nephrectomized kidney on histopathology; this was later confirmed through a postmortem examination. Three months after initial presentation the chinchilla was diagnosed with recurrent urolithiasis, hydroureter, and hydronephrosis of the remaining kidney and ureter, and euthanized due to poor prognosis. Necropsy confirmed the presence of semen-matrix calculi in the ureter and urinary bladder. Veterinary clinicians should consider semen-matrix calculi as a differential diagnosis for radiopaque calculi within the bladder or urethra of male chinchillas. Pathogenesis may be formation of a coagulum secondary to retrograde ejaculation.     

British Chinchilla Industry Survey

Abstract— A report is presented of a survey conducted over a 5-month period amongst chinchilla ranch owners in the British Isles. Data is provided on the birth rates and litter sizes for paired and polygamous units. Death rates and causes are reviewed together with the diseases reported; alimentary diseases were indicated as the most serious cause of loss and malocclusion was also found to show a high incidence.     

Effect of foot balance on the intra-articular pressure in the distal interphalangeal joint in vitro

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Increased joint pressure has been implicated in the progression of osteoarthritis. HYPOTHESIS: That intra-articular pressure in the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) is significantly higher in legs loaded with heel up (HU), low heel (TU), lateral side up (LU) and medial side up (MU) imbalance compared to the balanced position. METHODS: Twelve elbow down limbs were compressed in a hydraulic loading jig and DIP pressure measured. RESULTS: Elevating the heels by 5 degrees significantly increased DIP pressure. After 5 ml of contrast was injected into the joint, heel elevation caused a greater increase in DIP pressure and heel lowering decreased DIP pressure. Silicone rubber castings were taken of 20 DIP whilst under load. The articular contact area was localised on the dorsal aspect in the HU position, palmar aspect in the TU position and towards the elevated side with lateromedial imbalance. CONCLUSIONS: Altered foot orientation, which could result from trimming and shoeing, therefore influences intra-articular pressure in the DIP and the articular contact area. POTENTIAL CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results support the view that a balanced foot is the ideal and that the elevated heels may be detrimental to long term viability of the DIP joint.     

Extrahepatic Biliary Tract in Chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger,Molina)

The aim of the study was the macromorphological analysis of extrahepatic biliary tract in chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger Molina). Bile ducts, the gall bladder and portal vein were injected with coloured latex. Using the technique of dissection, bile ducts were isolated from the liver lobes. It was found that the cystic duct in this species is rarely single. Hepatic ducts form a system of multiple anastomosing structures running in the hepatoduodenal ligament. Many bile duct openings were observed in the duodenal papilla. The results confirm wide variations of the biliary tract in mammals and may be important for comparative analysis of the morphological differentiation of these structures in small mammals.     

Osteochondrosis/osteoarthrosis and claw disorders in sows, associated with leg weakness

The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between different leg weakness symptoms and osteochondrosis/osteoarthrosis and claw disorders in sows together with the influence of age on these findings. One hundred and seventeen sows in one herd were followed from 6 months of age until culling and judged for leg weakness once in every gestation using a scale from 1 (normal) to 4 (severe changes). At slaughter changes in joints, growth plates and claws were scored on a scale from 1 (normal) to 5 (very severe changes). Osteoarthrotic changes were strongly associated with osteochondral changes in humeral and femoral condyles. The clinical signs of osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis were found to be: buck-kneed forelegs, turn out of fore and hind legs, upright pasterns on hind legs, stiff locomotion, lameness and tendency to slip. The clinical signs of claw lesions were found to be: buck-kneed forelegs, upright pasterns, steep hock joints, turn out of hind legs, standing under position on hind legs, stiff movements, swaying hindquarters, goose-stepping hind legs, tendency to slip and lameness. Overgrown claws were strongly associated with leg weakness indicating the need for claw trimming in sow populations.     

An investigation of the shape of the hoof capsule in hindlimbs,its relationship with the orientation of the distal phalanx and comparison with forelimb hoof capsule conformation

There is limited information documenting hind foot conformation. The objectives of the study were to describe the shape of the hoof capsule of hindlimbs from the lateral aspect in horses of variable breeds, and, within horses, to compare the conformation of the hoof capsule of forelimbs and hindlimbs and determine the orientation of the distal phalanx within the hoof capsule in hindlimbs. Lateral photographs of the fore and hind feet (n = 225) and lateromedial radiographs of the hind feet (n = 29) were obtained. Differences among breed and shoeing status groups were assessed using multivariable mixed-effects linear regression models. Angular parameters and ratios of linear measurements were compared between fore and hind feet; angular radiological variables and photographic parameters of the hind feet were compared. The mean dorsal hoof wall angle for hind feet (50.9°±3.7°) was smaller than forefeet (51.8°±3.9°) (P = 0.04). The mean heel angles for hind feet (36.4°±9.6°) were smaller than forefeet (40.1°±9.3°; P < 0.001). Dorsal hoof wall (P < 0.001) and heel (P = 0.002) angles were larger in unshod than shod feet. In the hind feet, the dorsal hoof wall was parallel to the dorsal aspect of the distal phalanx. The median angle of the distal phalanx to the horizontal (angle S) was 0.6° (interquartile range: −1.4, 2.3°). There was a positive relationship between angle S and the hoof wall angle (W); each 1° increase in angle S was associated with 0.6° increase in angle W (P < 0.001). Angle S was also positively associated with photographic heel angle; each degree increase in the angle S was associated with 1.8° increase in the heel angle (P < 0.001). It was concluded that the angle of the distal phalanx to the horizontal in hindlimbs is smaller than published values for forelimbs. The orientation of the distal phalanx in hindlimbs is correlated with external characteristics of the hoof capsule.     

Phalangeal and navicular bone hypoplasia and hoof malformation in the hind limbs of a foal

Anatomical anomalies in the hind feet of a seven month old Appaloosa foal were identified and investigated through the use of gross anatomical dissection, radiography and angiography. Abnormalities were restricted to the distal aspect of both hind legs, the right hind leg being more severely affected. Anatomically the right foot resembled that of an equine fetus of approximately 120 days gestational age. Disruption of vascular perfusion to hoof structures was evident in both hind legs and was related to areas of abnormal bone conformation as well as to areas of abnormal ossification and calcification. Phalangeal and navicular bone hypoplasia were apparent as were soft tissue and joint anomalies. Although the etiology of the defects identified remains obscure, several theories are suggested, namely heritability, acquired defects and the possible teratogenic effects of clenbuterol.     

The Chinchilla Industry in Great Britain Today

Abstract— A review is presented of the development and growth of the chinchilla industry in Great Britain. The problems in the industry are examined with regard to costs of production, diseases, husbandry and improved stock and pelts.     

Alfaxalone in cyclodextrin for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in ponies undergoing field castration

Objective  To evaluate the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia using alfaxalone following pre-anaesthetic medication with romifidine and butorphanol in ponies undergoing castration in the field.
Study design  Prospective clinical study.
Animals  Seventeen male ponies weighing 169 ± 29 kg.
Methods  The ponies were sedated with romifidine and butorphanol intravenously (IV). Induction time was recorded following administration of alfaxalone 1 mg kg⁻¹ and diazepam 0.02 mg kg⁻¹ IV. If movement during surgery occurred, alfaxalone 0.2 mg kg⁻¹ was administered IV. The quality of anaesthetic induction, and recovery were scored on a subjective scale of 1 (good) to 5 (poor). The number of attempts to attain sternal recumbency and standing, quality of recovery and times from induction to end of surgery, first head lift, sternal recumbency and standing were recorded.
Results  Induction quality was good [median score (range) 1 (1–3)] with a mean ± SD time of 29 ± 6 seconds taken to achieve lateral recumbency. Ten ponies required incremental doses of alfaxalone during surgery. Mean times to the end of surgery, first head lift, sternal recumbency and standing were 26 ± 9 minutes, 31 ± 9 minutes, 33 ± 9 minutes and 34 ± 9 minutes respectively. The number of attempts to attain sternal recumbency was 1(1–1) and to attain standing was 1(1–2). Quality of recovery was good, with a recovery score of 1(1–2).
Conclusions and clinical relevance  Alfaxalone provided smooth induction and recovery characteristics and was considered suitable for maintenance of anaesthesia for castration in ponies.     

Longevity of breeding sows in relation to leg weakness symptoms at six months of age

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of leg weakness symptoms measured early in life (at 6 months of age) on the longevity of the sows, i.e. the age at culling due to locomotory problems in a Danish pig herd. One hundred and eighty-seven gilts at 6 months of age were selected according to different leg weakness symptoms and were followed until culling and judged for leg weakness once in every gestation using a scale from 1 (normal) to 4 (severe changes). Age at culling, and the main and secondary reasons for culling were recorded. The influence of leg weakness symptoms on longevity was evaluated by survival analysis. Though only 12% of the gilts showed a stiff locomotion half of the sows had suffered from this and nearly one third had been distinctly lame at some time in their life. Buck-kneed forelegs, upright pasterns, legs turned out, standing under position and swaying hindquarters were associated with stiff locomotion or lameness, whereas weak pasterns on hind legs and splayed digits on forelegs were associated with brisk movement (freedom from locomotor problems). The following leg weakness symptoms at the gilt stage were found to have significant negative effects on longevity: buck-kneed forelegs, swaying hindquarters, and standing under position on hind legs.     

FC‐21 Efficacy of topical tacrolimus ointment for treatment of plantar fistulae in German shepherd dogs

The objective of this open pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical tacrolimus ointment for treatment of plantar fistulae in German shepherd dogs. Seven dogs (four males, three females) were included. All subjects had a 6‐month to 2‐year history of plantar fistulae involving the plantar aspect of two to four metatarsi/metacarpi. No other skin lesions were present and the dogs appeared otherwise healthy. Before treatment with tacrolimus, all dogs received antibiotics for 4–8 weeks. Hair was clipped to visualise the lesions. The presence of erythematous papules, oedema and fistulae was recorded for each foot. All dogs served as their own controls. Dogs with four legs involved had one front and one hind leg treated. Dogs with two to three feet affected had only one foot treated. Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment (Protopic^®) was applied twice daily onto the site of lesions. Partial improvement of treated lesions was seen in all cases within 3 weeks. After 6 weeks, treated lesions were in complete remission in four dogs, while the other three subjects had palpable but invisible lesions. Signs had not improved on the untreated legs. Follow‐up varied between 4 months and 2 years. Lesion remission persisted in six dogs with the intermittent application of tacrolimus. Adverse effects of treatment were not seen. In conclusion, the application of topical tacrolimus seems to provide a safe and effective treatment option for plantar fistulae in German shepherd dogs. Funding: Self‐funded.     

Effects of a rubber-slatted flooring system on cleanliness and foot health in tied dairy cows

Effects on animal cleanliness and foot health of a new rubber-slat system for tied dairy cows, with the ability to drain faeces and urine, were studied in a 2-year controlled quasi-randomised trial in a Swedish university herd. Swedish Red and White cows were kept tied in 42 traditional long-stalls with rubber mats. In total, 82 cows were observed. In 21 stalls, the rearmost 0.74m of the solid stall floor was replaced with nine rubber-coated 53mm wide slats, divided by 29mm slots. The cleanliness was assessed subjectively weekly (year 1) or bi-weekly (year 2) by observations of the hind part of the body. Claw measurements and foot health in hind feet were assessed in connection with hoof trimmings at the beginning, middle and end of the housing period. The foot-health recordings were blinded to flooring. For the analysis of both cleanliness (1781 records, 73 cows) and foot health (240 records, 79 cows), logistic regression was applied, using marginal models and cow observations as repeated measures within each year. The risk of getting dirty on the rubber-slatted floor was significantly lower (odds ratio 0.12 for hind feet when short stall dividers were used, 0.39 for hind legs and 0.38 for thighs and udder), comparing with the solid stall floor. The prevalence of foot diseases in hind feet at trimming was significantly lower on the rubber slats (odds ratio 0.23 for dermatitis, 0.09 for heel horn erosion, and 0.34 for sole ulcer or sole or white line haemorrhage).     

Application of quantum dot-based biosensor to the conjunctiva in Wistar albino rats

This study was conducted to get an idea about the distribution of the lymphatic fluid in conjunctiva throughout the body parts. For this purpose, Qdot655 (QD), fluorescence nanoparticles, spread onto the conjunctiva were used on Wistar albino rats. Drainage of QD particles from conjunctiva was followed up via fluorescence images at different hours on body parts such as eye, ears, forearms, hind legs and tails. The first fluorescence signals within the 30th minutes following administration of QD were observed in the nasal region and the anterior extremities. Whereas within 60th minutes following QD spread, fluorescent signals were obtained from the ears, forearms, hind legs and tail of the female and male rats.     

Induction of Gynogenesis and Androgenesis in Goldfish Carassius auratus (var. oranda)

Chromosome engineering was used to develop lines that expressed the stable phenotypic characteristics of goldfish, Carassius auratus (var. oranda). To obtain androgenetic individuals, carp eggs were irradiated and fertilized with sperm from goldfish bearing telescopic eyes. The fertilized eggs were divided into four groups and three of them were subjected to heat-shock treatment at 42°C for 2.0 min at 34, 37 and 40 min after fertilization. All groups exhibited low viability of embryos and after hatching the embryos were severely deformed on the head, yolk sac and tail and exhibited 100% mortality, within 2 days after hatching. To obtain gynogenetic individuals, a thin layer of carp milt was subjected to ultraviolet irradiation for 26 min to neutralize its genetic material and used to fertilize a mixture of eggs derived from three different variations of C. auratus individuals with characteristics such as round fat body, triple tail, red and black colour and telescopic eyes. The fertilized eggs were divided into six groups and five of them were subjected to heat-shock treatment at 39.5°C for 2.5 min at 15 (group 2), 20 (group 3), 30 (group 5) and 45 (group 6) min after fertilization. The percentage of fertilized eggs that survived ranged from 20 to 50% and the percentage of larval survival in groups 2–5 was 22–28% with lower levels in groups 1 and 6, ranging from 10–12%. However, 40–60% of the larvae exhibited severe deformities on the head, yolk sac and tail, whereas the rest developed normally. Fish with the typical oranda phenotype were observed in all the groups and about 1% of the fish were characterized by a triple tail but there was no fish with telescopic eyes. The results indicate that gynogenetic individual goldfish can be produced but that the induction of androgenesis requires further improvement of the techniques.     

圈养东北虎的医疗管理训练

2005—2011年,持续对北京动物园的3只圈养东北虎进行了医疗管理训练,相继完成串笼、体尺体重测量、后肢力量增强、肌肉注射、尾部采血、尿液收集、口腔及牙齿检查、修剪前爪等训练项目。通过训练,减少了日常饲养管理中动物对环境改变和人类干扰的应激反应;以往需要麻醉动物才能进行的肌肉注射、采血、口腔及牙齿检查和修爪等操作,现在可以引导动物在放松状态下主动完成,去除了麻醉对动物造成的伤害。圈养野生动物医疗管理训练不同于驯兽表演,是提高动物福利的有效手段。